Old Christ Church (Bethel, Vermont) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Old Christ Church
|
|
Old Christ Church
|
|
 Location in Vermont
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Jct. of VT 12 and Gilead Brook Rd., Bethel, Vermont |
|---|---|
| Area | 2.5 acres (1.0 ha) |
| Built | 1823 |
| Architect | Warren, Col. David |
| Architectural style | Federal |
| MPS | Religious Buildings, Sites and Structures in Vermont MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 08000159 |
| Added to NRHP | March 06, 2008 |
Old Christ Church is a very old and special church located where Vermont Route 12 meets Gilead Brook Road in Bethel, Vermont. It's an Episcopal church, which means it belongs to a Christian group. This church was built way back in 1823. It's famous because it still looks much like it did when it was new, without things like electricity or indoor plumbing! In 2008, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places, which lists important historical places in the United States. Today, people still use it for church services, but only during the summer months.
Contents
What Old Christ Church Looks Like
Old Christ Church is found on the east side of Vermont Route 12. It's in a quiet, countryside part of northern Bethel. Just behind the church, you'll find a cemetery.
The church building is made of wood and has one story. It has a roof shaped like a triangle, called a gabled roof. The outside walls are covered with overlapping wooden boards, known as clapboard.
The Church Tower and Front Door
A square tower rises up from the church roof. The bottom part of the tower is simple. On top of that is an open belfry, which is where a bell would be.
The front of the church, called the facade, looks the same on both sides. There are two main doors. Each door has flat, column-like decorations on its sides, called pilasters. Above each door is a decorative frame, known as a corniced entablature.
Above each doorway, you'll see a window that slides up and down, called a sash window. These windows also have a decorative frame on top, called a corniced lintel. The very top part of the front wall, which is triangular, is fully pedimented. In the middle of this triangle, there's a window shaped like half an oval.
Inside the Church
When you go inside, you first enter a small room called a vestibule. From here, stairs lead up to a choir loft, which is a balcony where the choir would sing.
The main part of the church, called the sanctuary, still has its original box pews. These are like small, enclosed seating areas. The church no longer has its original raised pulpit. This was a high stand where the preacher would speak from. It was probably taken out when the church was updated in the 1880s.
History of the Church
The town of Bethel was officially started in 1779. An Episcopal church group, which included people from Bethel, was formed in 1794. For almost twenty years, this group met in different places. They often met in the homes of church members or in a schoolhouse that used to be where the church stands today.
Building the Church
This church building was constructed between 1823 and 1824. A person named Colonel David Warren built it. The land for the church was given by Simeon Chase, who was the main person pushing for the church to be built.
Old Christ Church is considered one of the best examples in Vermont of a "pure high Federal style" church. This style was popular in the United States during the early 1800s. It is known for its simple, balanced, and elegant look.
Changes Over Time
Over the years, fewer people attended this church. This happened as new churches were built in the centers of towns. In 1852, the building was sold to a Methodist church group.
However, in 1871, the Episcopal group in Bethel village bought the building back. They still own it today and continue to use it for church services during the summer months.
See also
